Trench City: Hi all, its Heidi and this installment of Build a Barn had to be renamed a bit. It is about getting water to the barn and how the trenching process sure makes you feel like youve stepped backwards instead of forwards toward the end goal. Right now, our barnyard looks like someone could host a WWI reenactment in the 4-foot deep trench stretching from the house to the barn. It was looking so smooth and close to being finished. That was a mirage! Add to that big wide trench a more shallow trench stretching from the opposite side of the house to the barn--to attach the solar panels--and my dogs have no idea where in the world they should be or if the world is coming to an end. There are pits and piles all around. I think this might be the most overwhelming part of the whole building process. While we have had some amazing help and contractors along the way, the trenching process has challenged my ability to trust that all folks will show up or do what they say theyll do. We originally had found a plumber with a trencher that could dig down 4 feet without so much dirt misplaced-- but he cancelled on me on the Friday before he was to start on Monday. I frantically called around to find another trencher-- but all were booked months out or couldnt dig down deep enough for a water line. (While electric lines can be buried at 2-3 feet, water lines need to be 18 inches below the frost line for the best non-freeze guarantee.) I found a great local company who could dig the trench-- but with a 24 inch wide back hoe. Yep, thats a big trench for a 1 water pipe, but its what would get the job done. However, he couldnt access about 16 feet that needed to run alongside our house-- that needed to be hand dug. I hired another company to come dig this short (but admittedly tough soil) line only for Jared to check their work and find that they stopped digging at 30 inches. I asked for 48. So, todays post might be more of a stressed-out rant than an offering of advice, but lets think of the lessons learned.... 1. Plan for trenching well in advance. These companies seem most booked in the fall when everyone wants something done before the ground freezes. I dont know how we would have done this differently-- its when we got to the project, but if you can plan accordingly.... 2. Double check. Ive been glad that I do work from home so that I can go out and meet the folks that are working around my place and make sure we are all informed as much as possible. In this last instance, I wish I had more fully evaluated the work before the crew left. I now have my tape measure handy. 3. While its possible to do some projects yourself, theres a time and a place to hire it done well. We had at first planned to use our tractor to fill back in the trench, but I think I will hire the same dynamic duo who dug the main line to fill it in. We are running out of time to add more to our plates and thats OK to know when to say when. Good news, too. We picked up our gates this weekend. We have the wire filled gates at the ready when we can get to the paddock and our fencing projects again. For now, Im stretching and practicing more yoga so I can keep jumping over the trenches.... We will get it done! In the meantime (and in a week based on thankfulness), Im thankful for an amazing husband who keeps chugging along and has done so much for this project. Im also thankful for the worlds best friend who is willing to keep my boy, Q, as her own until his new barn is complete. --Heidi See the whole building process here: https://facebook/notes/horse-master-with-julie-goodnight/build-a-barn-heidis-small-acreage-barn-planning/10152676703656518
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:50:58 +0000
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